Branthwaite’s Big Move: Liverpool Steal the Lead

Jarrad Branthwaite’s future hangs in the balance as Liverpool surge ahead of Manchester United in the chase for Everton’s defensive prodigy. With a £50m deal on the table, the Premier League’s giants are set for a showdown—here’s how it’s unfolding.

MANCHESTER UNITED NEWSMANCHESTER UNITED TRANSFER NEWS

3/26/20257 min read

Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite

Jarrad Branthwaite: The Premier League’s Next Defensive Titan

As of March 26, 2025, the football transfer rumor mill is buzzing with one name: Jarrad Branthwaite. The 22-year-old Everton centre-back has long been hailed as one of the Premier League’s brightest young talents, and now, a tug-of-war between two of England’s biggest clubs—Liverpool and Manchester United—is heating up. Once a prime target for United, Branthwaite’s potential move has taken a dramatic turn, with Liverpool emerging as frontrunners in a deal that could reach €50 million (£42m). This shift marks a pivotal moment in the summer transfer window, raising questions about loyalty, ambition, and the future of Everton’s defensive linchpin.

A Star Forged at Goodison Park

Branthwaite’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Since breaking into Everton’s first team, the Carlisle-born defender has showcased a blend of physicality, composure, and technical ability that belies his age. Standing at 6’5”, he dominates aerial duels, while his ball-playing skills have made him a standout in a Toffees side often battling relegation. Last season, he was a rock at the back, helping Everton secure survival despite financial turmoil and points deductions. His performances earned him an England debut in 2024, cementing his status as a player destined for bigger stages.

But Everton’s struggles have cast a shadow over his future. With the club still navigating ownership changes and Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) pressures, retaining a talent like Branthwaite—who’s contracted until 2027—feels increasingly tenuous. His form has dipped slightly this season, perhaps a reflection of the team’s inconsistency under David Moyes, yet his potential remains undeniable. For Liverpool and Manchester United, he represents a long-term solution to defensive woes, but the race to sign him is revealing stark contrasts in their approaches.

Manchester United’s Cooling Interest

For months, Manchester United seemed the natural destination for Branthwaite. Under Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils made two bids for him last summer, both rejected by Everton, who held firm at a valuation closer to £80 million. United’s interest persisted into the Ruben Amorim era, with reports suggesting a £50 million offer was in the works as recently as March 2025. The club’s defensive frailties—exposed by injuries to Lisandro Martinez and inconsistent form from Harry Maguire—made Branthwaite a priority. As an academy graduate, his sale would also provide Everton with pure profit, aligning with United’s PSR-driven strategy.

Yet, the trail has gone cold. After splashing out on Leny Yoro (£52m) and Matthijs de Ligt (£42.9m) last summer, followed by Ayden Heaven’s arrival in January, United’s defensive ranks are crowded. Yoro, another teenage sensation, has begun to find his feet under Amorim, while de Ligt’s experience offers stability. Heaven, a promising left-footer, adds depth. With Martinez still a key figure when fit, United’s need for Branthwaite has diminished. The lack of recent contact between the clubs suggests Amorim’s focus may have shifted elsewhere—perhaps to midfield or attacking reinforcements—leaving the door ajar for rivals.

Liverpool’s Surprise Surge

Enter Liverpool. The Reds’ interest in Branthwaite has caught many off guard, not least because of the fierce Merseyside rivalry with Everton. Historically, transfers between the two clubs are rare—only three have occurred since 1936—and the idea of Everton selling their prized asset to Anfield is almost unthinkable. Yet, as Virgil van Dijk approaches 34 and his contract nears its end, Liverpool are planning for the future. Joel Matip’s departure last year and Joe Gomez’s versatility rather than permanence at centre-back have left a gap that Branthwaite could fill.

The Reds see him as a perfect fit for their high-line, possession-based system under Arne Slot. His height and pace mirror van Dijk’s attributes, while his left-footedness—a rarity among top defenders—adds balance to a backline that includes Ibrahima Konate and the emerging Jarell Quansah. A £50 million move would be a bargain compared to Everton’s earlier £80 million demands, especially if PSR pressures force the Toffees’ hand. Liverpool’s quiet pursuit, coupled with United’s hesitation, has given them a “huge advantage” in the race, turning a long-shot transfer into a tantalizing possibility.

Everton’s Dilemma: Cash In or Hold Firm?

For Everton, losing Branthwaite would be a gut punch. The club views him as a cornerstone of their future, especially as they prepare to move into the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium. Plans to extend his contract to 2029 or 2030 reflect their desperation to keep him, offering a hefty wage bump to fend off suitors. Under Moyes, who returned to steady the ship, Branthwaite remains a vital part of a defense that’s shown resilience despite the team’s mid-table struggles.

But financial reality looms large. Everton’s recent takeover by the Friedkin Group has eased some concerns, yet PSR compliance remains a tightrope walk. Selling Branthwaite for £50 million—or more, if a bidding war erupts—could fund squad investment and secure their top-flight status. The question is whether Branthwaite himself sees his future at Goodison Park. Snubbed by Thomas Tuchel for England’s latest squad in favor of older options like Newcastle’s Dan Burn, he’s reportedly weighing his options, eager to play at the highest level and boost his 2026 World Cup chances. A move to a Champions League club could be the catalyst he needs.

The Wider Field: Other Suitors Lurk

Liverpool and United aren’t alone in their admiration. Manchester City have tracked Branthwaite, eyeing him as a successor to aging stars like John Stones or the injury-prone Nathan Ake. Tottenham, under Ange Postecoglou, crave a commanding centre-back to pair with Micky van de Ven, and their £50 million interest could spark a bidding war. Even Real Madrid, once linked with a swoop, linger in the background, though their focus has shifted to other targets like Trent Alexander-Arnold.

This crowded field complicates Everton’s stance. A Premier League move—especially to Liverpool—would sting more than a foreign transfer, given the rivalry and Branthwaite’s local roots. Yet, his ambition to compete in Europe and for England might outweigh sentiment. If Everton can’t offer Champions League football soon, their leverage could crumble, leaving them vulnerable to a cut-price deal.

What Branthwaite Brings to the Table

Why the fuss over Branthwaite? Beyond his physical gifts, he’s a modern defender with a rare skill set. His 85% pass completion rate this season highlights his comfort in possession, crucial for teams like Liverpool and United who build from the back. He averages 4.2 clearances and 1.5 interceptions per game, showcasing his defensive nous, while his 70% aerial duel success rate makes him a set-piece threat. At 22, he’s raw but polished—capable of starting now yet with a decade of growth ahead.

For Liverpool, he’d be van Dijk’s heir apparent, learning from the Dutch master before taking the reins. For United, he’d add youth and dynamism to a backline in transition. His versatility to play in a back four or three suits both managers’ systems, making him a plug-and-play option with sky-high potential.

The Transfer Chess Game

As summer nears, the Branthwaite saga is a game of strategy. Liverpool’s edge lies in their stability—top of the Premier League, Champions League-bound, and a clear succession plan. United’s appeal hinges on Amorim’s vision and their storied prestige, but their mid-table malaise and crowded defense weaken their hand. Everton, meanwhile, must decide whether to cash in or gamble on a brighter future with Branthwaite at its heart.

Timing is critical. A January move seems unlikely—Everton’s resolve held firm last summer, and mid-season sales rarely fetch top dollar. Summer 2025 is the battleground, where £50 million might be the starting point, not the ceiling. If Liverpool strike early, they could secure a coup; if United rekindle their pursuit, a bidding war could inflate the fee. Either way, Branthwaite’s next step will shape his career and his suitors’ seasons.

Conclusion: A Star on the Move

Jarrad Branthwaite’s journey from Everton stalwart to transfer target extraordinaire is reaching its climax. Liverpool’s unexpected lead over Manchester United signals a shift in the Premier League’s power dynamics, with the Reds poised to land a generational talent for a relative steal. For United, it’s a missed opportunity—unless they regroup and counter. Everton face the toughest call: lose a gem now or risk his value dropping if their fortunes don’t rise.

By summer 2025, Branthwaite will likely don new colors, his ambition driving him to a bigger stage. Liverpool’s advantage feels decisive, but in football, nothing’s certain until the ink dries. One thing is clear: wherever he lands, Branthwaite’s blend of youth and quality will make waves for years to come. The Premier League’s next defensive titan is ready to rise.

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